Taste is peppery-spicy-grassy bitterness with hint of citrus, juicy raisin up front, lightly juicy and zesty, and crisp. Then the bitterness lingers and dominates, mostly because the beer’s character seems light and lean. It has light juicy yeastiness. It is good, but not great, a little too bitter and thin.

Ninkasi has another wonderful selection here. I first had this one on tap at Henry's on 12th in Portland, OR, and have just recently purchased a bomber at a little liquor store in Pt. Roberts, WA, to bring back north across the border. The fact it's a "summer ale" and I'm having it on December 14...is that concerning?

Thanks to a buddy who provided me this beer from Oregon. Quite bitter and heavy on the palate. I have to agree with it's commerical description: Radiant Summer Ale is, "Crisp and flavorful, Radiant Summer Ale is a clean finishing summer offering in the Ninkasi tradition. The smooth malt character is balanced by a clean noble hop presence, the perfect compliment to a glorious summer day! 6% alc./vol. 40 ibus." It’s dry-hopped with Liberty hops. It’s more bitter rather than floral and has a crisp, clean finish.

A lot like Spring Reign in that it sacrifices complexity for drinkability. The hops are there but downplayed and the beer is pretty forgettable in retrospect. I like their beers but this is nothing special. I would have liked a little more hops on the mouthfeel and a longer finish kinda like Deschutes Twilight Ale but I still found it a drinkable beer for a hot day.

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a clear pint glass. No freshness date. Paid $1.65 for a single at local natural foods store.

A-Pours a clear, bright, copper-orange hue with about a one and a half finger, off-white head with average retention and some lacing.

S-Biscuit-like malt and subtle floral hops. Not robust enough.

T-Taste follows the smell in that it is not nearly hoppy enough. Pale, bready malts and caramel dominate the taste with hops only contributing to the bitterness but adding little to the flavor. Unfortunate

M-Smooth and crisp. Quite refreshing.

O-A decent beer, but nothing to get excited about. Ninkasi has been hit or miss for me. Glad I was able try without buying a bomber or a 6-pack.

Way bitter and plain amber beer. Color is ice and has a decent head. Seems pleasantly beery at first mouthful with enough carbonation. Some hint of orange flavor and a touch of sweet malt. Hops contribute a plain, non-aromatic harshness. Flat taste that is beery enough but dissipates into an endless bitterness. Light body. I don't taste anything to redeem this stuff, but it may appeal to someone on a serious hop trip. From a 22 oz bottle bought in San Francisco.

A: Once the chill haze fades, your're left with a fairly clear beer with a golden orange color and a rocky eggshell colored head. There is some definite sediment in the bottom of my glass; not sure what that's from.

S: You're nose is met with a good amount of piney hop bitterness, as well as a significant toasted caramel malt presence. There is some lemon zest in the nose as well, along with some earthy, herbal characters.

T: Again, good amounts of pine and even some astringent hop characters, with a rich toasted malt backbone. Maybe some lemon, hints of ginger, and other spices as well.

MF: Crisp, with a light feel and dry finish that takes some time to show up on the back end.

O: An enjoyable Pale ale with some nice woody, earthy undertones and a decent malt backbone.

Picked up a 4 pack of bombers for about $14 at Fred Meyer.This is one easy drinkin' beer. For those who are "hop curious", this one has an underlying touch of bitterness....but it's definitely a malty ale. For the IPA drinkers, I'm sure many would down grade not just this beer but the whole style in general for not having the extra oomph that they've become accustomed to.I totally enjoyed it. I must admit to liking IPAs more..but this is still an excellent beer.